rearmost

Rearmost is a superlative adjective that denotes the furthest position toward the back within a line, sequence, or arrangement. It refers to the last element, behind all others. The term is formed from rear, meaning the back part, combined with the suffix most. It is often used in contexts describing vehicles, seats, troops, or objects arranged from front to back.

Usage and nuance: rearmost typically appears before a noun, as in “the rearmost car” or “the rearmost row,” but can also occur with a definite article, as in “the rearmost of the two.” It is contrasted with frontmost or foremost, which denote the leading position. In style, rearmost is common in formal, descriptive, or technical writing and is widely understood across varieties of English. It can appear in military, logistical, or narrative contexts, where precise spatial description is important.

Synonyms and variants: hindmost is a close synonym, though it can feel somewhat archaic or literary in modern usage. A hyphenated form, rear-most, is also encountered, but the unhyphenated rearmost is generally accepted in contemporary writing.

Examples: “The rearmost carriage remained empty.” “From the rearmost seat, she had a full view of the parade.” In everyday speech, speakers may opt for rear-most or simply say “the last car” or “the back row,” depending on formality and clarity.